Espanyol will host Real Madrid on Sunday at 9:00 PM CEST at the RCDE Stadium. The stakes are high for both teams: Espanyol, sitting precariously close to the relegation zone, desperately needs points to secure their league status. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, trailing Barcelona by 14 points, aims to prevent further pre-Clasico drama concerning a potential guard of honor.
Both squads are dealing with notable absences due to injuries. Real Madrid’s injury list includes Dani Carvajal, Thibaut Courtois, Kylian Mbappe, Arda Guler, Eder Militao, and Rodrygo Goes. Espanyol is without Cyril Ngonge and Javi Puado, and midfielder Pol Lozano is suspended.
Potential Starting XI for Real Madrid: A Rare Opportunity for Gonzalo Garcia?
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Gonzalo Garcia might be handed a rare start for Real Madrid. Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to return to midfield, replacing Thiago Pitarch. The only other anticipated change from their previous draw against Real Betis is the return of Alvaro Carreras at left-back.
However, Diario AS suggests that Pitarch could retain his position, or that Eduardo Camavinga might be brought in, as manager Carlo Ancelotti has limited alternatives in midfield. Franco Mastantuono is the only other attacking option available on the bench.
Espanyol’s Striker Dilemma
Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez faces a decision regarding the team’s number nine. He is weighing the option of starting the experienced Kike Garcia against the more dynamic Roberto Fernandez. Beyond this, Espanyol’s lineup appears relatively settled. Tyrhys Dolan is expected to feature in place of the injured Ngonge, with Urko Gonzalez and Edu Exposito anchoring the midfield in Lozano’s absence.
Espanyol is looking to break a concerning streak of 16 winless games that has spanned their entire 2026 campaign. Real Madrid, on the other hand, is seeking their second victory since March, having secured only one win in their last seven matches.
